The Martin High School Banda del Animo, and Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, are roaring on their way into the history books with its latest accomplishments in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) competitions. This year, four talented students from the Tiger Band achieved the prestigious honor of being named Texas Band All-Staters.
The journey to success began with 23 students earning District honors. From there, 20 advanced to Region, 10 to Area, and finally, four emerged as All-Staters, showcasing their exceptional dedication and musical talent.
The 2025 All-State honorees include:
Carlos Vela: 5A 1st Chair, Percussion
Arron Sanchez: 5A 3rd Chair, Percussion
Luis Ordonez: 5A 1st Chair, Tuba
Jesus Martinez: 6A 1st Chair, Tuba (Second-Year All-State Musician)
For MHS Senior Jesus Martinez, a second-year All-State honoree, reaching this milestone represents more than just musical talent—it’s a testament to his perseverance and countless hours of practice. “This accomplishment, to me, is the product of all the time and commitment that goes into practicing the instrument. You spend three to four months practicing intensely, rehearsing all day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with breaks in between; but you can walk around the convention, try out the stands with all the instruments, meet new people, and enjoy amazing concerts. Playing in the best ensembles in Texas is unforgettable.”
The All-State recognition places these students among the top high school musicians in Texas, a feat that underscores their remarkable skill and determination. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. “The most difficult part is staying committed to the amount of practice it takes,” Martinez noted. “The average time is around four to five hours a day, and to do that every day without missing a day for months is incredibly challenging.”
Despite the challenges, Martinez emphasized the importance of determination and hard work. “Everyone starts at the same point. I didn’t pick up the instrument and immediately excelled. I started playing in 6th grade, which is when most people begin. But even if you start in eigth grade or as a freshman, you can still make All-State. It’s not about when you start—it’s about how hard you work and how willing you are to succeed. It takes time, sacrifice, and commitment,” he shared.
The students competed in Area tryouts held at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where they went head-to-head with top musicians from across San Antonio, Victoria, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley.
As the Tiger Band continues to inspire and excel, the entire Martin High School community celebrates their success. “We always hear the phrase, ‘It takes a village,’ and this year was no different. Parents, teachers, faculty, and administrators played a vital role. It truly starts at home, with parents supporting these students every step of the way,” MHS Band Director Bobby Castro said. “We, at Martin High, always try to make it a point to have a strong relationship between schools. We incorporate the best teachers to do the best job so the kids can be successful, and because of the continued support and involvement of collaboration between Christen Middle School, Memorial Middle School, and Treviño Magnet School, we were all able to help these students achieve the fantastic honor of being Texas Music All-Staters.”
From thousands of competitors who began their journey in June, these four students have risen to the top and will now perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in February, participating in workshops and performances alongside the best in the state. “We’re getting quite an accomplishment here at Martin High. We’re very proud, Tiger Proud. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!,” Castro added.